In a nation-first, the Marshall Liberal Government is acting to legislate the state's suicide prevention framework, following community consultation.
The Bill, to be taken to Parliament next year, will establish a whole-of-community and whole-of-government approach to suicide prevention.
Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said the Bill would make suicide prevention and postvention a priority throughout government agencies and the community.
"The Marshall Government has made a commitment to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for South Australians, and this new community-driven, nation-leading approach will help us deliver on that promise," Minister Wade said.
"South Australia strives to lead the nation and the Marshall Liberal Government is taking the step to further strengthen our commitment to suicide prevention through formal legislation.
"No other state has given their strategy legislative backing. This move reflects the fact that we recognise that suicide and suicide attempts are a major and complex public health problem which needs to be addressed by our whole community working together."
Premier's Advocate for Suicide Prevention and Community Resilience Dan Cregan said "It is imperative to reduce the rate of suicide and suicide attempt, and the stigma associated with seeking support and help.
"The Bill provides a solid foundation and structure to be able to achieve this," Mr Cregan said.
The Bill aims to reduce the incidence of deaths by suicide in this State, to establish the Suicide Prevention Council as an ongoing body, to provide for the preparation and implementation of plans to prevent suicide in the State, the establishment of a State Suicide Register and to encourage the training of persons and organisations in suicide prevention and postvention.
The Bill will enable evidence-based strategies to address risk factors for the general community and for groups that have a higher risk for suicidal behaviours such as veterans, people who are LGBTQI+ or culturally and linguistically diverse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people and older men and women, so that they are better supported across all levels of government.
The Bill sets out the objectives for the legislation, namely:
- TO reduce the incidence of suicide in the State
- TO promote best practice suicide prevention and postvention policies
- TO articulate the role of the State in implementing suicide prevention and postvention strategies
- TO provide for training and education in relation to suicide prevention
- TO ensure suitable initiatives are in place to prevent suicide in vulnerable communities; and
- PROVIDE a framework to ensure that suicide prevention and postvention response is a priority across all levels of government and community.
A copy of the Bill can be accessed and feedback provided here.
Submissions open December 23 and close on February 12.
